Seiten

Spiced Chocolate and Orange Bread

Looking out of the window, I feel elated. We are currently enjoying a gorgeous Indian Summer. The skies are bright blue, without a cloud in sight, a perfect backdrop for the rust, yellow and orange bursts of colors that surround us at this time of year. The sun wraps us in her warm rays and air is crisp.

To enjoy the glory of this Indian Summer we went for a lovely long trek in the Thüringian forest one weekend. The narrow paths that snaked along a mini stream were carpeted in gold and orange. Each time the gentle breeze would rustle the leaves, causing them to snow down around us.

I could not help it – I had to take of my shoes and walk barefooted on this carpet of gold. Soeren, who is all for twirling toes in sand, leaves and dirt, took my cue and untied his shoes. Holding hands we frolicked down the path, splashing every now and then in the stream. Tom laughed at us as we giggled and threw leaves in the air. Soon he too draped his shoes across his shoulders and joined us.

I have never done that before! Walking barefooted in a pile of leaves. For a girl who grew up literally on the beach this was an enchanting experience.

I've often seen Soeren and his friends make a cushiony bed out of leaves outside in the yard. Then they would squeal with glee and dive into the softness. Watching from the window I laugh at their carefree nature.

This time I was the one who jumped gleefully into the leaves. Leaving Soeren watching and laughing at me.

This sweet bread fits perfectly into the effigy of Autumn and rounds off the warm Autumn day in the forest. Pistachios, candied orange and bitter-sweet chocolate are embedded into the cake, kumquat marmalade hugs the top and spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon kiss the bread to make this an equally blissful experience.

In a bowl whisk 200g butter, sugar, salt and spices until creamy and pale. Beat in the eggs one at a time then the milk.

Sieve the flour and baking powder into the mixture. Using a rubber spatula incorporate into the batter.

Fold in the candied orange, chocolate and pistachios (reserving 2 tablespoons for the decoration). Fill the batter into the loaf pan. Bake in an oven, second rack from bottom for 65-70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Take the cake out, allow to cool then remove from pan. In a saucepan warm the kumquat marmalade until slightly runny. Brush the marmalade on top of the cake and sprinkle with the remaining pistachios. Allow to set.

Serve with coffee. You can enjoy the bread spread with butter and/or some marmalade.

Verdict

This bread is perfect for breakfast or in the afternoon as a decadent accompaniment to your cup of coffee. The spices in this cake are preparing me for my Christmas baking but with the sweet candied orange and tart kumquat marmalade it still very much provides an autumnal flair. Soeren took slices of this in his lunchbox everyday for three days in a row. Although it does get a bit dry, the aromas and flavors however intensified as it aged.

Meeta, you just make it sound all the more appealing to all my senses except I wish I could touch and taste your bread.It just feels so good to be like kids again, no? Doing stuff that we would think twice as adults.Enjoy the beautiful weather out there, here we are already feeling the brunt of the winter to come.

Perfectly delicious with all the chocolate,spices and orange.I am imagine the aroma that would have wafted while baking an drooooooling.If I have a piece then I too will be a kid again.Its nice to be a kid especially with your kid.Also happy to know that its nice weather there,here we r 'fall'ing quickly into winter

Beautiful -- this has all the colors of the autumn leaves in one loaf! In fact, it's a perfect match for the trees I see out my kitchen window at this time of year, so of course I'll have to bookmark and make this. And then I need to have a tea party, so I can share it!

It's just funny to read your excitement walking barefooted on leaves, while it is not so uncommon thing to do to me. I grew up in the forest in Sumatra, and I've had these barefooted feeling since I was a kid: mud, leaves, twigs, pebbles, sand, you name it hehehe... Lovely looking loaf there too, Meeta. Would love to come over and have an afternoon tea while barefooted...

It’s good to know that I’m not alone when it comes to writing articles about quality, good food. And I love sharing good recipes tooI’ll better check the archived posts from your site. Ciao! Just dropped by to say hi!http://www.technocooks.com

Thank you all! Wonderful responses - something told me you would like this bread. That walk in the forest really made me think why I had not done that before! It was refreshing and inspiring. I hope to be sharing pictures from that walk with you soon!Hugs!

Fall in the north definitely sounds more beautiful than here! We don't get as much golden tones during the Australian fall season. Just brown, and so lacking in romance. I should really try walking barefoot on the golden carpet of falling leaves some time. Sounds like so much fun!

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hello, I am Meeta a freelance food photographer, stylist and writer living in the cuturally rich city of Weimar, Germany with my husband and our son, where I enjoy preparing multi-cultural home cooked meals with fresh organic ingredients. What's for lunch, Honey? is my award winning food blog where I combine my love for food with my love for photography and styling...